This classic meatloaf recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. Made with ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, this meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The addition of Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce gives it a delicious savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make a delicious and hearty meatloaf that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The Best Bake Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meatloaf Topping
- 1/2 Cup ketchup
- 1/4 Cup brown sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 Tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tsp onion powder
Instructions
Topping
- Prepare the ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture over the top of your meatloaf before baking saving about 1/4 for adding at towards the end of the baking time.
Meatloaf
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a loaf pan by spraying with cooking spray or lightly grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the parsley and Parmesan cheese to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared loaf pan. Spread the topping over the top of the loaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- During the last 10-15 minutes of baking, spread a little more of the topping over the meatloaf.
- Allow the meatloaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your delicious meatloaf!
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when making this meatloaf recipe:- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. This ensures that it is cooked through and safe to eat. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more flavorful and moist meatloaf.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more milk to moisten it. Conversely, if the mixture seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs to absorb the excess moisture.
- Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly, but don’t overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf.
- To make sure the meatloaf doesn’t stick to the pan, you can line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- If you prefer a spicier meatloaf, you can add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the mixture.
- Leftover meatloaf can be reheated in the microwave or oven. It also makes for great sandwiches the next day!
How to Store
To store leftover meatloaf, allow it to cool to room temperature and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer it to an airtight container. Store the meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the meatloaf for longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. The meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat the leftover meatloaf, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Reheated meatloaf can also be enjoyed in sandwiches or crumbled into a salad. ÂCreation Time
This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and cooking time. However, the actual time may vary depending on your individual cooking skills and the equipment you are using. It’s always a good idea to read through the recipe and plan ahead to ensure that you have enough time to prepare and cook the meatloaf.History:
The history of meatloaf can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were known to combine chopped meat with bread crumbs, eggs, and spices, and then shape the mixture into a loaf. Meatloaf as we know it today, however, is thought to have originated in Germany in the 17th century. German immigrants brought the dish to America, where it quickly became popular due to its versatility and affordability. During the Great Depression, meatloaf was a popular way to stretch a small amount of meat into a meal that could feed a family. Meatloaf has continued to be a popular dish in American cuisine, with countless variations and regional adaptations. Today, it’s a classic comfort food that’s often associated with home cooking and family gatherings.
Pairing Recommendations:
This meatloaf recipe pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Mashed potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes are a perfect match for meatloaf. Try making them with a bit of butter, milk, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, can add some color and nutrition to the meal.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread can be a comforting addition to this meal.
- Gravy: If you like gravy, consider serving a rich beef gravy alongside the meatloaf for added flavor.
- Red wine: If you enjoy wine, consider serving a red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with your meatloaf dinner.
These are just a few ideas – feel free to experiment and find your favorite pairings!
Variations:
There are many variations to this classic meatloaf recipe that you can try, depending on your personal taste and preferences. Here are a few examples:
- Turkey meatloaf: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
- BBQ meatloaf: Add BBQ sauce to the mixture, or brush it on top before baking, for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Vegetarian meatloaf: Replace the ground meat with a meat substitute, such as tofu or tempeh, or use lentils or beans for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
- Italian meatloaf: Add Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme to the mixture, and top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Mexican meatloaf: Add spices such as cumin and chili powder to the mixture, and top with salsa and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bacon-wrapped meatloaf: Wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking for a smoky and flavorful twist.
- Stuffed meatloaf: Cut a slit down the center of the meatloaf and stuff it with your favorite ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, or even hard-boiled eggs.
By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can create a unique and delicious meatloaf that’s tailored to your tastes.
Nutritional Benefits:
This meatloaf recipe provides a good amount of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles, as well as maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. The beef and eggs in the recipe are particularly rich sources of high-quality protein. Additionally, the recipe contains some beneficial nutrients, such as:
- Iron: Beef is a good source of iron, which is important for healthy blood cells and energy production.
- Calcium: The recipe contains Parmesan cheese, which provides a small amount of calcium for strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamin B12: Beef and eggs are both good sources of vitamin B12, which is important for brain function and the production of red blood cells.
However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of sodium, which may be a concern for people on a low-sodium diet or those with high blood pressure. If you are concerned about the nutritional content of this recipe, you may want to consult a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Nutritional Breakdown:
Here is the approximate nutritional information for a serving of this meatloaf recipe (assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 435
- Total fat: 24g
- Saturated fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 161mg
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Total carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 34g
Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the serving.
Fun Facts:
- Meatloaf is a popular comfort food in many cultures, with variations found in German, Scandinavian, Belgian, and French cuisines.
- In the United States, meatloaf became a popular dish during the Great Depression when families needed to stretch their food budgets.
- In the 1970s, meatloaf became the subject of a popular song by singer Meat Loaf, titled “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.”
- The world’s largest meatloaf weighed over 1,100 pounds and was made in California in 2017.
- Some people enjoy eating meatloaf cold as a sandwich filling, while others prefer it hot and served with gravy.
- Meatloaf is often associated with home cooking and family gatherings, making it a comfort food that brings back fond memories for many people.
- There are countless variations of meatloaf recipes, with ingredients ranging from bacon and cheese to vegetables and grains.
- Whether you prefer your meatloaf classic and simple or loaded with creative twists, it’s a dish that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved staple in many households.
“I’m a meatloaf connoisseur. I’ll eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”
– Dolly Parton
